Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions vs. Houston Baptist

With the meat of the nonconference schedule in the rearview mirror and Big Ten play set to resume after the new year, Michigan State took the court against Houston Baptist on Monday night at the Breslin Center and it hardly would have won any awards for putting together a basketball masterpiece. MSU's lead grew as high as 46 points in the contest and never dipped below 23 points in the second half. The Spartans reached the 100-point mark for the first time since scoring 100 in a win last season over Mississippi Valley State.

The game was easily Michigan State's best of the season from an offensive perspective. "He communicated, he stepped off on guard screens, he scored in the post, he ran the lane".

"I thought offensively, Miles was as good as he has been since he has been here", said Izzo.

The Spartans (11-1) shot 70 percent from the field in the first half and held a decisive lead essentially throughout against an overmatched Huskies (4-8) team.

The Spartans set a school record with 16 blocked shots.

No. 14 Kansas 109, Nebraska-Omaha 64: Svi Mykhailiuk knocked down six 3s and poured in 26 points, Devonte Graham added 17 points and the Jayhawks rolled to victory. Michigan State plays down to opponents quite often, but will Monday night's game be a different story?

Miles Bridges tied his career-high with 33 points.

"I would like to recognize Jaren because he played nearly the whole second half with four fouls (before fouling out) and was still blocking shots", said Izzo.

What exactly will happen on Monday night between Michigan State and Houston Baptist?

Things were far from flawless, however, especially in the opening 20 minutes.

"Oh my goodness, @MilesBridges01 climbing the ladder and climbing a Huskey to get to the rim!"

Bridges had been relatively quiet statistically in the seven games since suffering a sprained ankle, averaging 13.1 points per game. While shooting 70 percent (21-30) from the field, the Spartans could've pulled away from the Huskies if not for Jalon Gates who single-handedly kept Houston Baptist in the game. Houston Baptist did grab 27 offensive rebounds, including 15 in the first half alone against a Michigan State team that entered the game fourth in the nation in rebounding margin. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way with six blocks, while Nick Ward had four. He recorded the 12th with 8:45 left in the second half when he found a streaking Ward on a fast break for an alley oop pass.